Complementary Therapy and Alternative Therapy for Cerebral Palsy
Most medical professionals encourage complementary treatments and therapies for individuals with cerebral palsy, and many patients reinforce their traditional methods of rehabilitation with alternative forms of therapy. Treatments for cerebral palsy such as surgery and drug therapy are often supplemented with alternative and complementary procedures and practices to increase well-being and quality of life. Throughout this page, our Michigan cerebral palsy attorneys will discuss some of the most common forms of complementary and alternative therapies used to treat cerebral palsy.
If your child has suffered a birth injury such as cerebral palsy and requires complementary and alternative therapy, you may be eligible for compensation from a medical malpractice or personal injury lawsuit. We encourage you to contact our experienced birth injury attorneys in any of the following ways for a free case review. Should we take your case, you will not be charged until we win or settle in your favor.
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What Are Complementary and Alternative Therapies?
- Alternative therapy: Alternative therapy encompasses a group of varied healthcare procedures, practices, and therapies that include new and traditional methods of healing.
- Complementary therapies: Therapies are considered complementary when alternative therapeutic or medicinal procedures are coupled with conventional methods of healthcare.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
1. Nutrition and Diet Therapy
A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains alleviates the symptoms and complications of cerebral palsy. Those with cerebral palsy also often consult allergists.
2. Craniosacral Therapy (CST; Cranial-Sacral Therapy)
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle and non-invasive form of bodywork that uses the craniosacral system of the body, which consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral therapists identify the craniosacral system’s natural rhythm in order to detect and balance the restrictions of cerebral palsy that cause pain and dysfunction around the body.
Craniosacral therapy may be used in combination with other therapies or when traditional therapies have been ineffective. Craniosacral therapy is also helpful for stress-related problems and various sensory disorders. While no solid proof of its benefits have been evidenced in accordance with the scientific method, its positive effects have been recorded in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Hippotherapy (Equine- or Horse-Assisted Therapy)
Therapeutic horseback riding improves posture, balance, and function by mobilizing the pelvis, lumbar spine, and hip joints, decreasing muscle tone, and developing equilibrium reactions in the trunk. To read more about equine assisted therapy and other forms of animal assisted therapy, visit this page.
4. Acupuncture
Theoretically, acupuncture restores internal health and balance when medical professionals insert fine needles into specific points on the body in order to restore the normal flow of bodily energy. Acupuncture has shown steady success in cerebral palsy patients—for instance, according to an article in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, traditional Chinese medicine is a successful treatment form for cerebral palsy.
5. Yoga
A number of yoga centers tailored to handicapped children are available to those with cerebral palsy. Their exercise and meditation programs alleviate cerebral palsy symptoms in the following ways:
- Increasing body awareness, flexibility, and strength;
- Improving the child’s natural development through gentle and therapeutic exercises;
- Reducing hyperactivity and improving concentration through breathing and relaxation exercises.
6. Bodywork
The following physical approaches can significantly alleviate cerebral palsy symptoms, particularly when paired with physical therapy or occupational therapy regimens:
- Rolfing (realignment of the head and neck fascia with the muscles)
- The Alexander Method (training the body to work more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary daily muscular movements)
- Reflexology (a form of massage)
7. Electrical Stimulation Therapy
People with cerebral palsy can make use of the following forms of electrical stimulation to alleviate symptoms:
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation: Electrical current applied through the skin prompts muscular contraction.
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES): Electrical currents stimulate a muscle when it should be contracting during a physical activity.
- Threshold electrical stimulation (TES): In this form of electrical stimulation, the current does not cause visible muscular contraction, theoretically increasing the flow of blood to the muscles, which in turn increases muscle strength and bulk.
8. Conductive Education (CE)
Conductive Education (CE) encourages disabled children to identify and achieve realistic goals to avoid learned helplessness. Its principal theory suggests that motor skill limitations are really learning limitations, and that new abilities arise from teaching.
9. Behavioral Therapy and Emotional Counseling
Patients with cerebral palsy often couple behavioral therapy and counseling with other treatments and therapies. Behavioral therapy can help combat the negative behavioral or emotional problems associated with the hardships of physical or cognitive limitation.
10. Inspiration and Encouragement
Patience, encouragement, positivity, and quality time with people with cerebral palsy greatly add to their feelings of self-worth and quality of life.
11. The Anat Baniel Method (ABM)
The Anat Baniel Method (ABM) is a holistic NeuroMovement approach to movement rehabilitation. ABM targets brain functions in order to organize cognition, feelings, movement, and action in a way that supports development. Individuals with cerebral palsy, autism, ADD, stroke, brain injury, genetic disorders, developmental issues, and other special needs have benefited from the treatment.
Legal Representation for Cerebral Palsy
Detroit, Michigan Birth Injury Attorneys Representing Victims of Medical Malpractice
Most children with birth injuries such as cerebral palsy face medical and social challenges daily. The compensation from a successful medical malpractice lawsuit can help pay for complementary and alternative therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and other medical expenses. The highly skilled, focused, and experienced lawyers at Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys work tirelessly to help victims of medical malpractice obtain the compensation they deserve. For a free legal review of your case, you may complete this online contact form, press the Live Chat button to the left of your browser, or call our offices toll-free at (888) 592-1857.